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Southern Charm

Norman Vincent Peale

Change your THOUGHTS and you change your WORLD.

Fine Art America, again

Prints, Posters, and Notecards

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.”

Southern Cook

Daily Paintings

Galatian 5:22

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Heartbeat at my feet

"My little dog... heartbeat at my feet." ~Edith Wharton

Southern Cook

Watermelon Recipes

Job 37:5

“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding."

Amazon Associates

February 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

This past Friday my friend and wife of chiropractor Josh Knotts, Jessie Knotts, gave me a movie titled "Food, Inc." about industrial feed lots, the inhumane treatment of farm animals, monster chickens, Monsanto's patent on Roundup-resistent soybean seeds and the control they hold over farmers,the overuse of corn in our products, and the other horrors of the government subsidized, Wal-mart driven, low quality, low cost food industry in the US today.

Today I want to share with you what I think may be the opposite in a movie, to be released Spring 2012, called "Southern Food."

I was thrilled to find Joe York, the film maker, blogging about his experiences, collecting information and footage for the upcoming documentary and wanted to share a small piece of it here. The video above introduces Emile DeFelice, pig farmer and Tango enthusiast from Caw Caw Creek Farm in St. Mathews, SC.

Emile DeFelice's message has given me new inspiration to visit more farmer's markets this spring and the resolution to purchase locally raised meat, milk, fruits and veggies.

Monday, February 21, 2011

It's President's Day and other than a few folks getting the day off from work or school, you couldn't tell this Monday apart from any other. I couldn't find a President's Day Parade to attend or a fireworks stand to purchase red, white and blue skyrockets. So how do you celebrate President's Day?

I took the lead from Lindsay at the Make and Takes blog, and decided to cook the favorite dish of one of our notable US Presidents. After looking at the list, several entries had to wait for obvious reasons. I don't know where to scrounge up a good squirrel for squirrel stew or turtle for turtle soup. And the dish "Prune Whip" just doesn't sound very good. The easiest choice would be to drive through McDonalds and simply order a Big Mac to commemorate the Clinton years.

Instead I settled on Harry S. Truman's favorite dish- Potato Salad. It was served at his inauguration luncheon along with Turkey, Ham, and Pumpkin Pie.

Here is the best recipe I've found for Potato Salad

Potato Salad

Ingredients (all estimates)

Pound or so of potatoes, boiled, peeled, cubed

Boiled eggs, chopped (I use a lot, 6 or so)

Dill pickle relish, to taste

Fried bacon, to taste

Half cup or so of chopped celery

Half cup or so of chopped Vidalia onion

Tablespoon or so mustard (either yellow, dijon, or dry)

Cup or so of Hellman's mayonnaise (NEVER use a different brand... it matters)

Freshly ground pepper

Salt

Dash of tabasco

Paprika

Directions

Put the potatoes in a large pot; add water just to cover and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender. Drain and cool. Peel (if you want to. No need if they are soft peel potatoes like Reds) and cube.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large iron skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble.

In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients, either reserving some bacon to sprinkle on top or sprinkle the top with mild Paprika.

Serve chilled, warm or at room temperature. However, THIS IS THE HARDEST PART... it tastes best after the flavors have had time to marry overnight. Good luck waiting 24 hours to dive into these chunks of Heaven in a bowl!!!

Blessings to all

God has lovingly and generously showered his sweet blessings all around middle Tennessee. I enjoy so much selecting a chosen few to share with you in these photos, recipes, paintings, inspirations and sometimes, completely random thoughts. Thank you for the visit. Come on back again real soon!

"To see the miraculous within the ordinary is the mark of highest wisdom." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." ~Abraham Lincoln

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Handbook of Southern Manners

Handbook of Southern MannersIf you are from the South, you probably could have written this book. This link is for everyone else who may be curious.

e.e. cummings

Charm of the Carolines

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

My Precious Furbabies

Lily Belle
Nannie Nutmeg
Max (2008- 4/3/2020)
Love is found in the strangest packages, even disguised as a Cocker Spaniel hobo drifting through the neighborhood. I found Max as a stray on New Year's Day 2016 and have loved and cared for him ever since. Still do. Love you silly boy! Miss you terribly.

Tammy Tabby

Suzie-Q

Suzie-Q is a full-blooded Japanese Chin. She is full of personality and an adorable little snorter with that smooshed nose. While I was out of town another foster kept her and fell in love. Foster Failure! Suzie Q now has a new momma who adores her. Love you sweet pup!
Molly

Molly is a happy girl after spending the day at the Pretty Parlor, AKA Diggin' the Doos in Columbia, TN. She is a Maltese-mix with the sweetest disposition. Molly was adopted today by the sweetest couple who are thrilled to welcome her into their home along with their cat Oblivia. Molly now has her very own momma, daddy, sister-cat and for the first time, her very own bed. Love you sweet girl!
Banner
We located an adopter who couldn't decide between two dogs in a local high-kill shelter, so the rescue decided to pull both of them if I would agree to foster the one not chosen for adoption. Do you have to ask twice? Gladly! Of the Bichon and the Maltipoo, the adopter chose the Bichon. They were both adorable and lovable, but she really didn't have room for two. So I got the Maltipoo. But not for long. Once word got out this beautiful boy was available the adoption applications poured in. The volunteers worked tirelessly to vet the best candidates, and the top three were interviewed by founder of the rescue and by me. Banner's new momma drove several hours from Kentucky to pick up her new baby on Wednesday morning. It was a quick turn-around, and Suzie-Q, my next foster was delivered to my house that afternoon.

Odis

Oh how I love this little boy! Precious Odis is a full-blooded Shih Tzu puppy, about seven months old. I enjoyed fostering him for a few weeks until he was adopted by my dear friend Janet and her family who have given him a loving home and are spoiling him daily.

Mandy

This little girl was found as a stray by a friend in the countryside. She was terrified of cars, so I'm afraid she may have been dumped. She doesn't belong to anyone within miles of where she was found. Luckily a sweet family adopted her and loves her to the moon and back. They describe her as perfect.

Bootsie

Love this sweet, cuddly little beggar. Her family moved away and left her in the neighborhood. She took up residence under my next-door neighbors house and they fed her regularly, but she didn't have vet care or flea treatment. They moved this past weekend, so I contacted Pet Pals of Maury County for assistance. They immediately sent a voucher to a local vet so we could get her checked out, vaccinated, and spayed. I'm happy to report she has been given a clean bill of health and has been adopted.

Little Man Max

This adorable little snuggle pup is a 3lb, 7 year old, altered male Yorkie. He was adopted by a precious, retired couple in Alabama who also adopted a Yorkie from Tennessee River Rescue in Selmer, TN. Along with this fur-sibling, Little Man Max will have a Schnauzer and Schnoodle to play with, along with afternoon golf cart rides around Lake Cullman. I want your life Max!!

Mr. Whiskers

This sweet boy looks like a little, red fox. And he was adopted!!

Honey Noggin'

Honey Noggin' (nee Gypsy) is still available. She is a senior pup with one bottom tooth that protrudes from her underbite so she reminds me of Elvis. Thank ya, Thank ya vury much!

Ebbie

Ebbie is an owner surrendered, 9 year old, female Basset Hound who is pure love in a dog suit and terribly confused. The only life she has ever known was uprooted and she came to live with me. Now a precious, young family has adopted her and they are in love. And their whole neighborhood is in love. That's what happens when there is a Basset about.

Lola and Lonnie

Lonnie and Lola are brother and sister, about 18 months old and simply adorable. They were adopted together. Thank you!!

Charlotte

Yay! My little foster Charlotte found her forever home at the PetSmart Adoption Event with Russell Rescue. She has two young boys to play with and they are already in love.

Brownie Puryear

Brownie found her furever home today! Yay!! Your new Momma has lots of puppy snuggles in her future.

Sadie Elizabeth (nee Bubbles)

This precious baby was my foster and is now my god-puppy. She was adopted by my parents. She was special from the moment my dad laid eyes on her. We are thrilled to welcome her into our family as a member, and not a foster.

Glory B

Looking like the lovechild of Yoda and one of the Grimlins is Glory B (formerly Blackie). She is full of spunk and sass.... all three and a half pounds of her! Glory B was adopted by a sweet, retired couple looking for lap puppy on which to heap all their snuggles and kisses.

Maddie

Maddie was my foster for less than a week. This sweet girl was adopted by my friends Don and Carol who have given her a new fur-sibling as well as a loving home. Don't you just love happy endings?

Junebug

Junebug is a precious, 35lb, young, female, terrier-mix foster adopted in September. Playful, intelligent and loveable. She's now enjoying a family of her own.

Millie Matisse

Millie Matisse, my little foster through Russell Rescue, was adopted by an adorable young lady July 2015. She enjoys a loving home that she shares with her new fur-sibling.

Vienna

Vienna, my little foster through Russell Rescue, was adopted by a sweet family in Murfreesboro, June 2015. She enjoyed love and kisses through her finals days and ventured across the Rainbow Bridge end of August 2015.

Gen. Jubal Lee

A little beggar that came up starved and injured. He's hanging out with me until I can determine if he has a home. If not, he has a minor operation in his future and then will be ready for a loving forever home. Right now he is getting loving care and attention and plenty of kibble.

Ruby

Ruby, a Pet Pals of Maury County foster, now lives with her furever family in Culleoka, TN

Ida Claire
Ida Claire, a Snooty Giggles foster, was my furbaby from 10-31-11 to 7-26-12. She was taken by transport to live with her Fur-ever Family in Massachusetts, 7/26/12. Miss you silly girl!